More info about the Affordable Care Act
 Please visit the informative website hosted by the Indiana House Democratic Caucus that provides information about the efforts to bring affordable health insurance to all Hoosiers.
I also found the article below to be helpful in answering some basic questions about the Affordable Care Act, several provisions of which went into effect Tuesday (Oct. 1):
INDIANAPOLIS – The centerpiece health-insurance marketplaces mandated by the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act are set to debut next week.
Come Tuesday (Oct. 1), millions of uninsured Americans will be able to go online to review options and find out whether they qualify for government-subsidized coverage through President Barack Obama’s signature law, also known as “Obamacare.”
These marketplaces, also called “exchanges,” are run by the federal government or by states.
       The largest health-coverage expansion since Medicare was set up in 1965, Obamacare is expected to reduce the number of uninsured Americans—estimated at 48 million—and to change the options for some 20 million people who buy private insurance on their own.
Under the new law, insurers may not discriminate based on gender, income or health status or, gradually, because of pre-existing conditions. They must provide a uniform summary of coverage for each plan, and they can cancel a policy only because of fraud. Annual limits on care have been phased out and lifetime dollar limits on benefits have been stopped.
Even if you have coverage through work or another government program, you should check out changes mandated under Obamacare.
Most Americans will be required to have some type of coverage by March 31 or risk a fine. Consumers can go without insurance for up to three months in any given year without drawing a penalty.
Open enrollment for many health insurance plans, including Obamacare, occurs in the fall. For those seeking coverage through Obamacare marketplaces, consumers who enroll by mid-December will begin coverage in January. Those who buy insurance between Dec. 15 and March 31 will get coverage as of April 1.
- Here are a few basics to consider as “Obamacare” ramps up:
- Q: What do people without employer-provided coverage need to do?
A: Learn what’s available through the new exchanges. The federal interactive website [www.healthcare.gov] or call center (1-800-318-2596) will direct you to a site specific to your state, where you can compare plans’ benefits and costs based on your household, income and coverage needs. Counselors can walk you through the process online or on the phone. All assistance is provided free; beware of anyone who tries to charge you or use high-pressure sales tactics. If you suspect fraud, call the 800 number. Although enrollment is supposed to start Oct. 1, some exchanges could have delays. Remember, you have several months to choose a plan and sign up.
- Q: What about people who buy their own coverage now?
A: Many insurers are dropping plans or changing them to conform with Obamacare’s new benefit requirements. Plans may have required changes because they had high deductibles or lacked coverage for mental-health services, for instance. According to early reports, some individuals and families are facing higher premiums, more restrictions on health providers, and/or greater cost-sharing for services. Some insurers have decided not to offer some or all of their individual plans through the marketplaces; people with private coverage may need to explore their options with the exchanges and with brokers. Some may be eligible for subsidies and savings on the marketplace, but many who had skimpier coverage or better ratings because of their age and health may wind up paying more.
- Q: What range of health coverage will the exchanges offer?
A: All plans must offer at least minimum coverage for medical and hospital services, mental health and substance abuse, prescription drugs, rehabilitation care and laboratory testing. Certain prevention and wellness services will be available at no charge. Four levels of insurance—bronze, silver, gold and platinum—differ in costs and how they’re shared. The bronze level has the lowest premium, but the consumer bears the highest share—40 percent—of covered treatment costs; platinum has the highest premium but the patient pays the lowest share—10 percent. Premiums vary by state and locality. A White House report released last week found that, among 48 states, the monthly premium for a bronze plan averaged $249 and a silver plan averaged $328—before any subsidies. All exchanges’ health plans limit out-of-pocket costs for medical care, excluding premiums. In 2014, it will be $6,350 for individuals and $12,700 for a family. The amounts are expected to rise each year.
- Q: Who’s eligible for subsidies to help pay for insurance?
A: Generally, it’s anyone making between 138 percent and 400 percent of the federal poverty level. That’s $15,860 to $45,960 for individuals or $32,500 to $94,200 for a family of four. Those making the least will pay no more than 2 percent of their income for health coverage, and subsidies will cover the rest. Those at the top end will have to pay 9.5 percent of premiums. [An interactive tool from the nonprofit Kaiser Family Foundation can help consumers estimate potential government subsidies.] Subsidies, calculated during the online signup, will typically come in the form of tax credits. These can be applied toward insurance premiums or taken when filing a tax return. You’ll be able to make changes during the year if your earnings change substantially. If you underreport income, you’ll face a penalty.
- Q: What should people with employer-provided insurance do?
A: Many employers are changing the amounts they ask workers to pay in premiums, deductibles and co-pays. Some are reducing worker eligibility or dropping coverage of spouses. Others will give workers a fixed amount of money to shop for insurance in exchanges. If your situation changes, you might consider Obamacare. You may be eligible for subsidies and coverage through a health marketplace if your work-based insurance costs more than 9.5 percent of your income.
- Q: Is everyone required to obtain health insurance?
A: Just about everyone faces that requirement. Obamacare exempts American Indians; undocumented immigrants; people who are jailed; have religious objections; have suffered a recent financial hardship; have incomes below the threshold for filing a federal income-tax return; or for whom the lowest-priced health plan available exceeds 8 percent of their income.
- Q: What happens if you don’t obtain health insurance?
A: You’ll pay a penalty to the Internal Revenue Service. It will start at $95 a year for individuals or $285 per family, or up to 1 percent of income, whichever is higher. For each uninsured child, you’ll pay half the adult rate. By 2016, the penalty would rise to $695 per adult for individuals, or 2.5 percent of income, whichever is higher. You’ll have to provide the IRS with proof of coverage when filing your 2014 tax returns by April 2015. The IRS still is working on its rules concerning proof.
- Q: What about people receiving Medicare coverage?
A: They don’t have to bother with the exchanges. They’re covered; benefits won’t change unless they alter supplemental coverage.
- Q: What about people who are on Medicaid or another public insurance program?
A: They’ll generally keep their coverage, although many states are adjusting coverage to save money. States that agree to expand coverage will get extra federal dollars to help pay for it. Obamacare has provisions to expand Medicaid to cover adults making up to 138 percent of poverty income. The District of Columbia and at least 25 states have agreed to this expansion; several states are on the fence.
- Q: What happens to poor people in states that have declined to expand Medicaid?
A: Adults who are not disabled, elderly or pregnant will remain ineligible for Medicaid coverage. Children are eligible for coverage, but their parents often are not. However, in states that don’t expand Medicaid, subsidies for coverage will be extended to adults making 100 to 138 percent of the poverty level ($11,500 to $15,860 for individuals). That still will leave some impoverished adults without government help to buy insurance.
Of course, you can always contact my Statehouse office for assistance with any problem or concern you may have regarding Indiana state government. My contact information is listed at the bottom of this email.
Sincerely,
Early childhood education, beyond the classroom
We’re taking a closer look at early childhood education and development and how it translates into continued success in a child’s life – and how this affects the economy.
Indiana is one of eleven states without dedicated funding for pre-school. That means nearly half of all students start kindergarten without any form of early childhood education.
EVSC’s Director of Early Childhood Education Terry Green talks about Pre-K programs in Evansville and how the city fares in comparison other places in the Tri-State.
Pyschology professor Maggie Felton teaches cognitive development at the University of Southern Indiana. Felton explains how early interactions with adults “hardwire†children for the rest of their lives. She says this has implications for the economy and changing the scale of poverty in the U.S.
In the final segment, we’ll visit the home of Rachel Maurer. She’s a music therapist who uses her professional practice to teach her three-year-old daughter skills in conversation and coping with emotions. Maurer also leads a workshop called Parenting Counts that navigates parents through the often perplexing world of raising a child.
And of course, we’ll hear from those most affected by this topic – kids.
More information:
Terry Green
EVSC Director of Early Childhood Development
(812) 435 – 8483
Like a song you heard on today’s program?
Here’s the playlist:
Radiation City – “Wash of Noiseâ€
Sonny & The Sunsets – “Natural Actsâ€
Arcade Fire – “Reflektorâ€
Dr. Bucshon, Hoosier Lawmakers Urge Congressional Leaders to Repeal Medical Device Tax
(Washington, D.C.) – On Thursday, Members of Indiana’s congressional delegation sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker John Boehner asking that full repeal of the medical device tax be included in any must pass legislation considered in the House or the Senate this year.
In the letter, the members write, “In Indiana, medical device companies employ over 20,000 Hoosiers. Over the last 12 years, the state has added over 5,600 jobs in the medical device industry and the medical device industry indirectly affects tens of thousands of Hoosier jobs. These jobs pay 56 percent more than the average wage in Indiana.â€Â The lawmakers added, “We urge you to consider not only the 2,124 Indiana jobs that are lost because of this, but the 43,000 jobs nationwide, and include a full repeal of the medical device tax in any must pass legislation considered in the House or the Senate this year.â€
The Indiana Medical Device Manufacturers Council added support to the delegation’s letter.
“The hundreds of medical device companies of Indiana are grateful for the attempts to repeal the medical device tax. Indiana is an international leader in medical device manufacturing, and the repeal of the medical device tax especially will allow the newer and smaller companies to maintain the production of innovative life-saving and life-enhancing products,â€Â stated Peggy Welch, the Indiana Medical Device Manufacturers Council Executive Director. “The repeal will also help Indiana to retain and continue its creation of quality, good-wage middle-class jobs.â€
Repealing the medical device tax has received broad, bipartisan support in both Chambers of Congress. In fact, the Democrat-controlled Senate approved a bill to repeal the tax, in a non-binding budget resolution, 79-20 in March. Just last year, 37 House Democrats joined their Republican colleagues to repeal the tax in a bill (H.R. 436) that passed 270-146. (ABC News; 9/28/13)
The text of the letter is included below:
October 3, 2013
The Honorable Harry Reid
Majority Leader
United States Senate
S-221, the Capitol
Washington, DC
The Honorable John Boehner
Speaker
House of Representatives
H-232, the Capitol
Washington, DC
Dear Leader Reid and Speaker Boehner,
On behalf of the people in Indiana, we are asking you to include a full repeal of the medical device tax in any must pass legislation considered in the House or the Senate this year.
In Indiana, medical device companies employ over 20,000 Hoosiers. Over the last 12 years, the state has added over 5,600 jobs in the medical device industry and the medical device industry indirectly affects tens of thousands of Hoosier jobs. These jobs pay 56 percent more than the average wage in Indiana.
During the debate on the Senate budget, 79 members of the United States Senate voted to repeal the medical device tax. The Protect Medical Innovation Act of 2013, a full repeal of the medical device tax, currently has 264 co-sponsors in the House. The message is clear; there is bi-partisan support to permanently repeal this harmful tax.
Not only is this tax costing thousands of jobs, but it is also limiting research on life saving devices. Indiana is home to over 300 medical device companies that produce lifesaving products. This tax is prohibiting their ability to conduct research or clinical trials to create new medical devices.
We urge you to consider not only the 2,124 Indiana jobs that are lost because of this, but the 43,000 jobs nationwide, and include a full repeal of the medical device tax in any must pass legislation considered in the House or the Senate this year.
Respectfully,
Senator Dan Coats
Rep. Larry Bucshon, M.D.
Rep. Susan Brooks
Rep. Luke Messer
Rep. Todd Rokita
Rep. Marlin Stutzman
Rep. Jackie Walorski
Rep. Todd Young
Fall leaves pick-up service available Oct. 21 – Dec. 13; same day as trash service
Leaves must be bagged or in cans; placed separate from normal weekly trash
Through its contract with Republic Waste Services, the Evansville Water & Sewer Utility will offer fall leaves pick-up service on the same day as trash pick-up for a period of eight weeks beginning Monday, Oct. 21, through Friday, Dec. 13, 2013.
The service is available to City residents, including newly annexed areas, who pay for trash service with their water bill. Apartment complexes, mobile home communities and business/commercial customers are not eligible.
Important information about leaves pick-up service
Customers’ leaves will be picked up on the same day as their trash pick-up but at a different pick-up time. Leaves must be in biodegradable plastic bags or paper leaf bags, which may be purchased at local retail outlets. Or, leaves may be placed loose in containers.
The bundled leaves must be placed in manageable, organized piles separate from where the normal weekly trash is collected. They may not be combined with trash or left in loose piles on the ground. Waste that does not meet these requirements will not be picked up.
Customers with questions may contact Republic Waste Services
Customers who have questions about the service may call Republic Waste Services at 812-424-3345. Customers who have placed their leaves according to the requirements outlined above yet feel they were missed, should call Republic Waste Services within two days to report a possible missed pick-up.
Composting collected leaves
Republic Waste Services will grind the leaves collected and re-use as an alternative for soil cover to improve the nutrient content in the grassy areas of the landfill.
EVSC Board of School Trustees
The Board of School Trustees of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation will meet in executive session at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, October 7, 2013, in the John H. Schroeder Conference Centre at the EVSC Administration Building, 951 Walnut, IN 47713, Evansville, IN. The session will be conducted according to Senate Enrolled Act 313, Section 1, I.C. 5-14-1.5-6.1, as amended. The purpose of the meeting is for discussion of collective bargaining, (2)(A);Â initiation of litigation or litigation that is either pending or has been threatened specifically in writing, (2)(B); purchase or lease of property, (2)(D); and job performance evaluation of individual employees, (9).
The regular meeting of the School Board will follow at 5:30 p.m. in the EVSC Board Room, same address.
Professor Kopta and UE alumni accomplishments.
My CelestHealth Research Group (CHRG) has recently had papers published or in press for publication. Kopta et al (in press) is an especially interesting study. One of our recent graduates Danielle Raymond is a coauthor with counseling center Directors from Johns Hopkins University, Harvard University, and University of Minnesota as well as faculty from Marquette University. This study included a research sample of over 13,000 patients and 400 psychotherapists. Additionally, UE graduate Craig Bryan, who is now a professor at the University of Utah, is first author on another paper (Bryan, Kopta, & Lowes, 2012).
Stulz, N., Lutz, W., Kopta, S.M., Minami, T., & Saunders, S. (in press). The shape of the dose-effect relationship in outpatient psychotherapy: Does treatment duration matter? Journal of Counseling Psychology.
Kopta, S.M., Petrik, M., Saunders, S., Mond, M., Hirsch, G., Kadison, R., and Raymond, D. (in press). The utility of an efficient outcomes assessment system at university counseling centers. Journal of College Student Psychotherapy.
Budge, S.L., Owen, J.J., Kopta, S.M., Minami, T., Hanson, M.R., & Hirsch, G. (2013). Differences among trainees in client outcomes associated with the phase model of change. Psychotherapy, 50, 150-157.
Bryan, C.J., Kopta, S.M., & Lowes, B.D. (2012). The CelestHealth System. Integrating Science and Practice, 2, 7-11.
Mapping Possible IU Med School Locations
Posted By CCO without editing, bias or opinion
by: Brad Linzy
As the debate raged over the expense of the recently approved hotel project downtown, one predominant reason emerged among six City Council Members for rejecting the $37.5 million public bond issue – the need for the City of Evansville to maintain its financial leverage to attract an IU Medical School.
In statements issued by several Council Members, including Dr. Dan Adams who sits on the steering committee for the med school, it was clear that most Council Members endorsed the idea of a downtown location for the proposed medical school. “I know for the best bang for our buck, we must put all of our ‘eggs’ in the downtown medical school basket first,†said Councilman Dr. Adams in a statement.
Some city politicians seem predetermined in attracting IU with a proposal for a downtown location. Mayor Lloyd Winnecke has stated he supports a downtown IU Medical School and has explicitly stated he will only support a downtown development.
In an interview with an Indianapolis radio station Winnecke said, “We are in the early stages of putting together what we think will be a dynamite plan for downtown, and we know that we will be competing with developers who will want it in another county. We know we will compete against developers who will want it in other parts of the city, but we’re gonna fight like the dickens to get it right downtown.â€
In addition to a possible downtown site, the exact location of which remains unclear, a handful of other locations have also been discussed – USI campus, Old North High School, Evansville State Hospital Grounds, Burkhardt area land owned by Promenade, the Gateway Women’s Hospital Grounds in Warrick County, and the old Roberts Stadium Site.
To better understand each proposed location, click the map below. You will find the locations of all area hospital facilities (in red), all area educational facilities (in black), and the proposed locations of the IU Med School (blue stars).
CLICK FOR MAP: https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?hl=en&mid=zl7L8cNHY9EI.k2mpnNQ2oObA
USI Campus
USI was named as a possible location in a recent Courier article. Although it has merit with its proximity to another educational facility, it lacks proximity to teaching beds at established medical facilities.
Old North High School
Located at Diamond and Stringtown, the Old North High School facility is a favorite of local activist Jordan Baer. The site suffers from a lack of proximity to teaching beds and existing Universities, and has other shortcomings that required even an area high school to relocate.It is unclear why IU would want North High School’s second hand buildings in a location that offers few if any advantages.
Deaconess Gateway Campus
There are a couple of undeveloped sites near the Deaconess Gateway Women’s Hospital. A site adjacent to the Women’s Hospital is considered the foremost rival site not located in Evansville city limits. It is unclear exactly where such a development could occur, but there is a patch of farmland near Deaconess Urgent Care which might work.
Promenade on Burkhardt
While the Burkhardt area has boomed from a retail perspective attracting big box stores and chain restaurants it is unclear why this location might be attractive to IU. It suffers from high traffic and lack of pedestrian access. Furthermore, this site offers no practical advantages over the rumored Warrick County location just down the road.
Downtown Evansville
It’s unclear where a med school might actually go downtown, but this is the preferred location of most politicians, including many Council Members and the Mayor. There is one city block currently empty behind the old Greyhound bus depot, but any downtown location will suffer from a lack of proximity to teaching beds and existing educational facilities. It is also unclear why a downtown location would be preferable to IU over more centralized locations like the State Hospital or Roberts Stadium, or why it would be superior to a Warrick County location near the Gateway Hospital.
Evansville State Hospital Grounds
Due to its proximity to St. Marys, the Lloyd Expressway, the University of Evansville, shopping centers and recreational areas, the State Hospital Grounds are considered a good contender, although it’s unclear yet how such a deal would work out or if a development would disturb the park grounds or the soccer or ballfields. It is also unclear whether a med school complex would face Lincoln, Vann, or the Lloyd Expressway.
Roberts Stadium Site
This might be the best option to pitch the IU board. Its proximity to St. Mary’s, two recreational areas (Wesselman Woods and the State Hospital Grounds), the Lloyd Expressway, and the University of Evansville would make it a good location which would also be central to east and west side medical facilities. In addition, the City already owns the property and it’s already cleared for development. It would have the added benefit of saving taxpayers the estimated $1.5 million to complete a dog and skate park at this location.
AG: Hoosiers should beware of health insurance enrollment scams
Zoeller: Federal government shutdown escalating scams
Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller is warning Hoosiers against scammers taking advantage of the federal health insurance enrollment period that began October 1, 2013. Zoeller warns that the additional inability of Hoosiers to get help from the federal government during the shutdown escalates the need for people to be on guard against possible scam artists, who might seek to profit from selling insurance or by gathering personal information to use fraudulently.
“During large-scale government roll-outs, scammers come out of the woodwork to take advantage of any confusion surrounding the program — luring people away from legitimate websites and posing as employees or agents of the agency. Additionally, with many federal agencies closed, help is even harder to find, so it’s necessary for those of us in state offices to fill this vacuum,†Zoeller said.
The Attorney General says Hoosiers need to be cautious and never provide personal financial information or a social security number to anyone that shows up on your doorstep or contacts you by phone to enroll you in the federal insurance program.
Tips to Avoid Scams and resources for assistance include:
•        The government will never call or e-mail consumers to solicit enrollment plans. Marketplace options and additional information is available at www.HealthCare.gov or at the Help Center, available 24/7, at 1-800-318-2596.
•        Anyone claiming to be enrolling consumers in coverage through the Marketplace before October 1 is not legitimate. Be wary of individuals contacting you with a “limited time special.â€Â Rates will remain the same from October 1 to March 31, 2014.
•        Navigators, by law, may not charge a fee for service; however, licensed health insurance agents and brokers receive commission from insurance companies for plan enrollment.
•        Navigators are there to assist you during the enrolment period.
•        Navigators will ask you question about your income, family size, and other relevant personal information to help you make a decision about the type of coverage you want.
•        Navigators will ask for the size of the family to determine coverage options and for income information to determine eligibility for tax credits or Medicaid
•        Navigators WILL NOT call you to enroll you in health insurance.
•        Navigators WILL NOT notify you about special limited time offers.
•        You can find your local Navigators at: http://www.healthcare.gov/, and http://www.sircon.com/resource/layout.jsp?page=indianaLps&type=indiana.
If a salesperson aggressively pressures you into buying insurance by telling you that you will face jail time if you do not have health insurance, beware — this is not true.
The Indiana Attorney General’s Office is the state’s consumer protection agency. More information on avoiding charity scams is available on the Attorney General’s website at www.IndianaConsumer.com.
NOTE: A fact sheet about navigating the Affordable Care Act insurance eligibility system is attached.